Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann visits Moose Wala's home amid protests
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday visited Sidhu Moose Wala's house, just days after the Punjabi singer was assassinated. Mann traveled to Moosa village to convey his condolences to the singer's family amid heavy security and sloganeering. Earlier in the day, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Gurpreet Singh Banawali was met with strong hostility when he arrived at the slain Punjabi singer's village.
Why does this story matter?
Moose Wala's killing has sparked a political row in Punjab and brought gang wars to the fore. The Opposition had also accused the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government of endangering VIPs by downsizing their security cover last week. Many are also calling for the dismissal of the Mann government. Following the criticism, the state government has ordered to restore the security of over 420 VVIPs.
CM faced angry protesters at Moosa village
Mann's visit follows a meeting with the AAP's national convener and Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday. On Friday morning, he was welcomed by chanting protesters who sought to bar him from entering Moosa. Notably, the state government came under fire for decreasing the security cover of Moose Wala and 423 others. It has now decided to reinstate their security from June 7.
AAP MLA Banawali was forced to return following stiff opposition
Prior to Mann, AAP MLA Banawali attempted to meet Moose Wala's family but was forced to return due to strong opposition. Protesters in the village blocked Banawali from entering the singer's residence. The demonstrators approached and obstructed Banawali's path, shouting "Aam Aadmi Party Murdabad (down with the AAP)" and "Aam Aadmi Party ne mara tha (the AAP killed him)."
Security beefed up before Mann's visit
Shortly after Banawali's departure, senior Punjab Police officers, including Mansa SSP Gaurav Toora, arrived at Moose Wala's home. Police deployment had been increased in preparation for Mann's planned visit, which was earlier lowered during the protests. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and a delegation of BJP leaders had also visited Moose Wala's home on Thursday.
2 arrested for providing car used in shootout
On Thursday, a Punjab Police team stormed Bhirdana village near Fatehabad and arrested two youths, Pawan Bishnoi and Khan. The Punjab Police, along with the Fatehabad Police, raided the area late on Thursday night and apprehended both the accused. It has been claimed that the two had a hand in providing the Bolero car used in Moose Wala's murder.
'Yes, I got Sidhu Moose Wala killed': Bishnoi
Meanwhile, police sources told India Today that Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster, has acknowledged assassinating Moose Wala. "Yes, I got Sidhu Moose Wala killed," Bishnoi reportedly informed the Delhi Police. On Sunday (May 29), the Punjabi singer was killed in the Mansa district following which the Bishnoi gang's name surfaced in connection with the murder. Two other persons were also injured in the shootout.
